A contrivance or an invention serving a particular purpose, especially a machine used to perform one or more relatively simple tasks.
A technique or means.
A plan or scheme, especially a malign one.
A literary contrivance, such as parallelism or personification, used to achieve a particular effect.
A decorative design, figure, or pattern, as one used in embroidery. See Synonyms at figure.
A graphic symbol or motto, especially in heraldry.
Archaic The act, state, or power of devising.
[Middle English, from Old French devis, division, wish, and Old French devise, design, both from Latin dīvīsus, dīvīsa, past participle of dīvidere, to divide, separate; see divide.]
(dĭ-vīs') 